Stories

For the Spring of 2023 the school requested school supplies for 120 students, sports equipment, classroom supplies, shoes, cloth rolls to make school uniforms, students sports clothing, pre-school books and toys, and material to build a volleyball court.  Total cost is ~ US $4,500.

 

Welcome to our 2023-1 newsletter (link to previous issues).  We are delighted you decided to read it and welcome your feedback on how we can improve it.

 

As we begin 2023, I am reflecting on our progress since we started operations 5 years ago, and I wish to begin by saying thank you to all our supporters, volunteers and partners.

 

Believe in Belize (https://believeinbelize.org) provided major funding for the shipment of a 40’ container from the United States to Dangriga, Stann Creek through a collaboration with their partner Medical Equipment and Supplies Abroad (MESA) Foundation, Inc. (https://rotarydistrict6600.org/MESA).

We need funds for two major areas: charitable work and operational expenses.  Our needs and how we spend money will always be public (https://believeinbelize.org/SitePage/financial-information)

 

Funding options for our charitable work and operations can be found here https://believeinbelize.org/sitepage/donation-options.

 

Donations are tax deductible based on applicable US tax laws.

 

 

For Part 1 of this project please see this link.

 

On Wednesday October 24th, 2018, Officer Raul Pop from the Placencia Village Police installed 21 reflectors on bicycles of cyclists passing by (mainly children). Besides the safety value of this effort, it was gratifying to see the recipients happy to have them installed.

 

   

 

This is a pilot project for installing ~20 bicycle reflectors on bicycles in Placencia, Belize during the second half of October, 2018.  It is part of the Believe in Belize Health Program / Bicycle Safety Initiative.  The purpose is to get a better handle on the issues involved.  Afterwards, we will decide how to best proceed with this project.  You can participate in shaping the future of this project by joining our Bicycle Safety Initiative Facebook page here.

 

 

As part of its Education Program, Believe in Belize initiated a project to donate 205 computers (refurbished 64 bit architecture PC with keyboard & mouse, and monitor) to 41 schools and 1 junior college (St. John’s Vianney) in Belize to aid in the establishment of school computer labs.  This project will benefit about 6000 students the first year and another 6000 over the 5 year estimated life of the computers.  The deployment will take place in the Fall of 2018 and Spring of 2019 through our partner, Medical Equipment and Supplies Abroad Foundation, Inc. - Rotary District 6600 / MESA (partnership announcement)  and with the collaboration of the following Rotary Clubs in Belize: Belize Sunrise, Corozal, Dangriga and Placencia  (Rotary in Belize).

 

Flipboard (https://flipboard.com) is a magazine publishing tool.  When you see this symbol  on any website, clicking on it allows you to "flip" that page into a Flipboard magazine you publish or have access to contribute to it.  If you manage a website you can also insert Flipboard widgets (see how at https://about.flipboard.com/social-plugins).  One of the tools is a "+ Flip It" button which you just drag to your browser's Bookmarks Bar for easy flipping.

 

By flipping our website pages to Flipboard magazines you help spread the word about what we do at Believe in Belize (http://believeinbelize.org).

 

Below is the magazine published by Believe in Belize.  If you would like to contribute to it (i.e. Flip other relevant website pages to it) please contact us at Board@Believeinbelize.org to discuss further before we grant you access.  You can also choose to "Follow it".

 

Believe in Belize (believeinbelize.org) is an all volunteer non-profit with the main focus of implementing projects and providing services in the country of Belize.  We began operations on January 1st, 2018 as an unincorporated non-profit.  The goal of the organization is to provide a place for individuals and organizations who share a common interest in helping with the development of the country of Belize.

 

On April 17, 2018 we incorporated in the State of Maryland, USA as a non-profit business named Believe in Belize, Inc.

 

On March 26, 2019 we officially became an organization Exempt under IRC 501(c) (3) and classified as a public charity under IRC 170 (b) (1) (A) (vi). Our effective date of exemption is April 17, 2018.

 

 

 

IRS - Tax Exempt Organization Search - Use EIN 82-3524490, https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/

 

GuideStar - https://www.guidestar.org/profile/82-3524490

 

As an all volunteer organization we could use all the help we could get.  If you are interested in any of the positions below please contact us at Board@believeinbelize.org.  The level of experience is not as critical as your willingness to learn and actively participate.  Multiple volunteers per position would be ideal.  Feel free to suggest another position you would like to create and volunteer for.  Almost all of our positions can be performed from where you live.  However, each volunteer needs to make sure they satisfy the work permit requirements in their local jurisdiction (as applicable).

 

Our goal at Believe in Belize is to become a "go to" organization for people to learn about Belize and contribute to its growth.  As such, by joining us we can leverage resources for the common good.  Some of the capabilities we provide include:

 

1) Ability for a person or an organization to post a project looking for partners, volunteers, funding.

2) Share news and accomplishments.

3) Advertise businesses.

4) Have your own space on our website to manage your own cause.

5) Have a platform for raising funds for short-term or long-term needs.

 

There are different ways to join us (volunteer and donate):

1) Volunteer for one of our open positions.

2) Volunteer to join and/or manage a project or provide a service.

3) Donate financially or in-kind.

4) Sign-up for our paid services.